Autogenous bone collection and delivery system

ABSTRACT

A selective filtering collection and delivery system for collecting and delivering autogenous bone to and from a surgical site is provided. The selective filtering collection device includes a suction nozzle, suction nozzle assembly and a vacuum source. Disposed in parallel between the suction nozzle assembly and the vacuum source are a removable filter cartridge and a filter bypass tube. A switch on the suction nozzle assembly may be actuated to provide suction to the suction nozzle through either the bypass tube or through the filter cartridge. When suction is applied through the filter cartridge, autogenous bone is collected on a filter medium within the cartridge. Additionally, the cartridge may be removed and directly placed into a delivery device. The delivery device includes a ratchet system that actuates a plunger base to accurately extrude the bone material from the filter cartridge into the desired surgical location.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Serial No. 60/345,678 filed Jan. 2, 2002, which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] This invention relates to the field of autogenous bonecollection. More particularly, the present invention relates to a devicefor collecting autogenous bone from a surgical site and extruding thecollected bone where desired.

[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0005] Orthopedic or other surgical procedures involving bone oftengenerate bone chips or particulates that may be harvested and used, forexample by implanting the harvested bone back into the patient fromwhich it was derived, as an autogenous graft material. Prior art boneand tissue collection systems are known which include a collectionfilter disposed in a suction line of the system. In such systems havingthe filter in the path of the only suction line, suction is removed fromthe surgical site while the filter medium and/or collected tissue isremoved.

[0006] Despite some work in the area, there is a need for an autogenousbone collection system that permits the physician to selectively switchbetween a material capture mode and a material rejection mode withouthaving to remove a bone capture filter from the suction line or from thehousing assembly. There is additionally a need for a selective bonecapture system wherein the bone capture filter may be removed withoutpausing the suction applied to the surgical site. There is a furtherneed for a filter cartridge and bone delivery system that reduces therisk of contamination of the collected bone material.

[0007] There is also a need for a bone delivery system that accepts afilter cartridge from a filtering system and extrudes the bone materialcontained therein into the surgical site, even if the bone is highlycompressed and dense. There is additionally a need for a delivery systemthat allows for accurate delivery of the bone tissue to the desiredsurgical site.

[0008] These objects, and others, are addressed by the presentinvention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention provides a bone collection system that hasfirst and second operational modes for selectively collecting orbypassing to waste tissue materials travelling through the system. Thus,one embodiment of the present inventions relates to a bone collectionsystem comprising a vacuum source, a suction nozzle assembly, a filterand a bypass tube. The filter and bypass tube are connected in parallelbetween the suction nozzle assembly and the vacuum source. The nozzleassembly includes a switch-actuated-valve which connects the suctionnozzle to the vacuum source via either the filter or the bypass tube.The filter is desirably incorporated in a removable filter cartridgehaving an internal chamber for tissue collection, the chamber having anextrusion opening and a variable volume, wherein reduction in thechamber volume extrudes collected tissue materials from the tissueopening. For example, the chamber may have a wall defined by atranslatable plunger for reducing the chamber volume.

[0010] Another embodiment of the present inventions provides a removablefilter cartridge for use in a bone collection system. The removablefilter cartridge of this embodiment comprises a housing including aninner chamber, defined by the housing back wall and sidewalls. An exitport is in communication with the inner chamber through the sidewall. Afilter medium including mesh sized to capture bone material whilepermitting fluid passage is located in the inner chamber, in fluidcommunication with the exit port. A filter cap including an entry portis removably engaged with the front end of the filter cartridge housing.A plunger base is slidably located within the filter cartridge housingand is initially placed against the back wall of the housing. In anotherembodiment, a bore extends through the back wall of the cartridgehousing, adjacent the plunger base.

[0011] Another embodiment of the present inventions concerns a bonedelivery system for extruding bone collected in a removable filtercartridge. A removable filter cartridge including a plunger base locatedin the inner chamber of the filter cartridge is positioned in a deliverydevice. A ram is aligned with a bore through the back wall of the filtercartridge housing. In one particular embodiment, squeezing the deliverydevice handle advances the ram through the bore and forces the plungerbase forward. Bone from the inner chamber is extruded through an openingat the front end of the delivery device.

[0012] Related objects and advantages of the present invention will beapparent from the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013]FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a selective filtering systemuseful with a bone collection system in accordance with one embodimentof the present inventions.

[0014]FIG. 2 is a side view of a bone collection filter cartridge thatmay be used with the selective filtering system of FIG. 1.

[0015]FIG. 3 is an exploded side view of the removable bone collectorfilter cartridge of FIG. 2.

[0016]FIG. 4 is a partial side perspective view of a bone collectordelivery system including a removable bone collector filter cartridge.

[0017]FIG. 5 is a partial side perspective view of a bone collectordelivery system including a removable bone collector filter cartridge inthe fully extruded position.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principlesof the inventions, reference will now be made to the embodimentsillustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used todescribe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitationof the scope of the inventions is thereby intended, such alterations andfurther modifications of the principles of the inventions as illustratedtherein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in theart to which the inventions relate.

[0019] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, aselective filtering collection device is provided which includes asuction nozzle, suction nozzle assembly and a vacuum source. Disposed inparallel between the suction nozzle assembly and the vacuum source are afilter cartridge and a filter bypass tube. A switch on the suctionnozzle assembly may be actuated to provide vacuum to the suction nozzleeither through the bypass tube or through the filter cartridge. Whenvacuum is applied through the filter cartridge, bone material iscollected.

[0020] Referring now to FIG. 1 there is shown a side view of a selectivefiltering system 20 for selectively controlling the direction of thesuction flow to facilitate the collection of bone. The selectivefiltering system 20 can be connected to a vacuum pump 45. Selectivefiltering system 20 includes a suction nozzle assembly 21, connected towhich is the suction nozzle 22. Preferred suction nozzle assembly 21 isdesigned to be held in the hand of a physician during use. A selectorswitch 24 located on the suction nozzle assembly 21 selectively actuatesa valve 29 in the suction nozzle assembly 21 to direct vacuum from pump45 through one of two discharge openings 25 and 26. Selector switch 24includes a two position switch, the position of which controls thedischarge opening in communication with the suction nozzle 22.Alternatively, selector switch 24 may be a spring-biased switch, whichtoggles the valve 29 from a first position to a second position whilethe switch 24 is depressed by the physician. Other types of switches fortoggling the valve 29 may be used.

[0021] Discharge openings 25 and 26 are connected to filter tube 27 andbypass tube 28, respectively. Filter tube 27 is connected to a bonecollection filter cartridge 30 via entry port 31. Another piece offilter tubing 33 is connected to the side exit port 32 of the bonecollection filter cartridge 30. Optionally as will be discussed below inconnection with FIGS. 2 and 3, the filter cartridge 30 may be aself-contained removable cartridge. Additionally, the filter cartridge30 is preferably made of a biocompatible material. If plastic is chosen,the filter cartridge 30 may be made of transparent or translucentplastic material that will enable a visual determination of the level ofmaterial captured within the filter cartridge 30 without having to openthe filter cartridge 30.

[0022] Both the filter tube 33 and filter bypass tube 28 are connectedto the inputs of the “Y” connector 40. From the “Y” connector, suctionline 41 connects the selective filtering system to a vacuum pump 45.

[0023] In operation, the selective filtering system 20 permitsautogenous bone collection as follows. During a bone drilling or otherbone-generating surgical procedure, pump 45 is switched on and vacuum isapplied to the system via suction line 41. Fluid containing bone and/orsoft tissue is drawn into the suction nozzle 22 of the selective filtersystem 20 in the direction of arrows 23. According to the physician'sdesire to retain the material for later use, the selector switch 24 isset by the operator to provide suction to the suction nozzle 22 viaeither discharge opening 25 or discharge opening 26. When the selectorswitch 24 is set to one position, vacuum is provided to the suctionnozzle 22 via bypass tube 28, from where the material containing fluidis suctioned directly to a waste canister at the vacuum pump 45.

[0024] When the selector switch 24 is set to its other position, vacuumis provided to the suction nozzle 22 via filter tubes 27 and 33 andthrough the filter cartridge 30. The material bearing fluid is thendrawn through the bone collection filter cartridge 30. Bone is collectedin the bone collection filter cartridge 30 for later use, e.g. forreintroduction to the same or a different surgical site. The waste fluidis suctioned of to the waste container at the vacuum pump 45.

[0025] Using the selective filtering system 20 a physician is able toselectively choose when the suction will be filtered for bone retrievalor for waste. By having this choice, the quality of bone collected ismuch better and has less soft tissue content. Further, the presentsystem advantageously permits the collection filter to be removed fromthe suction line without disrupting the surgical procedure, as theoperator can maintain suction pressure at the suction nozzle 22 evenduring the removal of the filter by switching the suction path via theselector switch 24. Thus, when a first collection filter is full, it maybe exchanged in favor of a new collection filter without substantialdisruption of the ongoing procedure.

[0026] Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a side view of oneembodiment of a removable bone collector filter cartridge 130 that maybe used as the filter cartridge 30 of the selective filtering system 20of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the filter cartridge of FIG. 2.The removable filter cartridge 130 includes an outer cartridge housing132 and an inner cartridge filter 133. Outer cartridge housing may bemade from a variety of biocompatible metals or plastics, by machining orinjection molding. The inner cartridge filter 133 is preferably a meshmaterial fabricated from metal, polymeric materials or combinationsthereof. In the present embodiment, the inner cartridge filter 133 ispreferably substantially cylindrical and fitted to the inner chamber 131of the outer cartridge housing 132, which would also be substantiallycylindrical to accept the inner cartridge filter 133. However, this isnot meant to be limiting, as other filter and inner chambercross-sections may be used. The size of the interstices between thefilaments of the mesh of the inner cartridge filter 133 can varydepending on the desired use of the filter cartridge 130.

[0027] A filter plunger base 134 sits at the base of the filtercartridge 130, inside the inner cartridge filter 133. Filter plungerbase 134 is additionally made of a biocompatible material, and may bemade of a variety of biocompatible metals or plastics, or morepreferably, is made of an elastomeric material having a medium to highdurometer hardness. The filter plunger base 134 has a diameter less thanthe inner diameter of the inner cartridge filter 133, permitting thefilter plunger base 134 to slide the entire length of the innercartridge filter 133, when actuated by the delivery mechanism.Preferably, the diameter of the filter plunger base 134 is just slightlyless than the inner diameter of the inner cartridge filter 133 and issimilar in shape to the cross-section of the inner chamber 131 of theouter cartridge housing 132. For example, in the present embodimentusing a cylindrical inner chamber, a generally circular filter plungerbase would be used.

[0028] Annular bore or ram aperture 135 is in communication with thefilter plunger base 134 through the rear wall of the outer cartridgehousing 132. Initially, the aperture 135 is sealed for use during thebone collection process to maintain the sanitary condition of the innerfilter cartridge 133 and filter plunger base 134. However, in use, a ramon the delivery device is aligned with the ram aperture 135 and, whenadvanced by the delivery mechanism, breaks the seal on the ram aperture135 and advances the filter plunger base 134 through the inner cartridgefilter 133.

[0029] Additionally the cartridge filter 130 includes a front entry port136 and a side exit port 137, containing entry and exit apertures 136 aand 137 a, respectively. The front entry port 136 is located on theremovable filter tip 139. Removable filter tip 139 includes a thread(not shown) which mates with thread 138 to secure the filter tip 139 tothe outer cartridge housing 132. This is not meant to be limiting, asthe removable filter tip may be secured to the filter cartridge housingby other means, such as a snap fit.

[0030] Fluid and bone material enter the filter cartridge 130 throughthe entry aperture 136 a, where it passes directly into the innercartridge filter 133. The inner cartridge filter 133 separates andcollects the bone material from the fluid. The fluid portion is divertedout the side exit aperture 137 a, through the inner cartridge filter133. The desired bone material is collected on the inner wall of theinner cartridge filter 133. Additionally, fluid and bone material cannotexit the filter cartridge out the rear aperture 135, due to the filterplunger base 134.

[0031] As noted above, other inner chamber cross sectional shapes may beused. For example, if formed using a mold, the cross section of innerchamber 131 may be square or may be partially rounded with one or moreflattened sides, etc. In such a case a flat filter screen may be placedin and/or adhered to the flat side of the inner chamber 131 bearing theexit port 137. Additionally, if a flat filter screen is used, a channelmay be made in the inner chamber to receive the flat filter screen andmaintain the screen in front of the exit port at all times.Alternatively, a square or other shaped inner filter cartridge may beused. Correspondingly, the outer edge of the filter plunger base 134would be designed to correspond to the cross-section of the innerchamber 131 (i.e., square, partially rounded with one or more flattenedsides, etc.) permitting the filter plunger base 134 to slide through theinner chamber 131, extruding bone out the entry end of the filtercartridge 130.

[0032] When used in a selective filter system, such as that shown inFIG. 1, if the filter is full or the surgeon determines that there is aneed for autogenous bone, the filter cartridge 130 is removed bydisconnecting the filter tubes attaching the entry and exit ports of thefilter cartridge to the filter system. This can be done without removingsuction from the system by switching the suction through the bypass tubeof the selective filtering system (bypass tube 28 of FIG. 1). Afterremoving the filter cartridge 130, the entry end cap filter tip 139 ofthe filter cartridge 130 is unscrewed from cartridge thread 138,exposing the inner filter medium and collected bone for use by thephysician.

[0033] Referring now to FIG. 4 there is shown a partial side perspectiveview of a bone collector delivery device 200 including a removable bonecollector filter cartridge, which may be a removable bone collectionfilter cartridge as described in connection with FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. FIG.5 is a partial side perspective view of a bone collector delivery systemincluding a removable bone collector filter cartridge in the fullyextruded position.

[0034] The delivery device 200 includes a delivery housing 210 having arecess 220 therein. Recess 220 is adapted to closely receive a filtercartridge, such as filter cartridge 130. The delivery housing 210additionally has an extrusion aperture 215 at the distal end incommunication with the open end of the filter cartridge 130.

[0035] The delivery device 200 additionally includes a ratchet handle240 and a ram 250. Ratchet handle 240 provides a mechanical advantage inthe advancement of the ram 250, and may include ratchet gearing orsprings (not shown) which, when the handle members 240 a and 240 b aregrasped and squeezed together, the ratchet gear drives the ram 250 inthe direction of arrow 260. When the handle is released, the ram 250 isreturned to its resting position.

[0036] In operation, the bone collection filter cartridge (30 or 130 ofFIGS. 1-3) is disengaged from the selective filtering collection deviceand the filter tip (139 of FIG. 3) is removed. The inner filter mediumneed not be removed by the physician, nor does the bone material need tobe spooned out. This reduces the risk of contamination of the bonematerial by reducing the handling of the material used. The filtercartridge is then loaded into the delivery device recess 220.Alternatively, the filter tip 139 (FIG. 3) can be retained in attachmentwith the filter cartridge, and the delivery device recess 220 adapted toreceive the cartridge/filter tip assembly. In this fashion, the filtertip 129 may serve to provide a shape and/or dimension to the bone whenextruded from the cartridge as discussed further below. In this regard,the filter tip 129, or another similar filter tip especially designedfor the extrusion, can be configured to provide an extruded bone massoptimized for delivery to a given surgical site. For example, forrelatively deep surgical sites, the filter tip can provide a smalldiameter, elongate tube for delivery of the extruded bone mass to thesite.

[0037] After receiving the filter cartridge 230, the handle 240 of thedelivery device 210 is depressed. As the handle 240 is depressed, ram250 is ratcheted into the cartridge via the sealed cartridge aperture235 opposite the entry side of the bone collection filter cartridge 230.The ram 250 pushes a plunger base 134 that is located within the innerdiameter of the filter medium. As the handle 240 is ratcheted, the boneis extruded through the opening 215 in the housing 210. Opening 215 isin communication with the entry end of the filter cartridge 230, whenthe filter cartridge is placed in the recess 220. The bone is thenextruded back into the surgical site, eliminating the need to useallograft bone, other bone substitute materials, or going to a separatesurgical site to harvest additional bone. The delivery device 200 iscapable of accurately extruding compressed, dense bone straight from thefilter cartridge due to its leveraged ratchet mechanism. After the boneis extricated from the filter, releasing the handle returns the ram 250on the delivery device to its resting position and the filter cartridgecan be removed and discarded.

[0038] With reference to all of the Figures, in certain embodiments ofthe invention, kits are provided containing element(s), potentiallydisposable element(s), for use with a bone collection device andoptionally then with a bone delivery device 200. For example, such kitsmay include a single, disposable filter cartridge 230, or a plurality offilter cartridges 230 optionally having varying internal volumes suitedto collect bone in connection with surgical procedures that generatevarying amounts of bone. In this fashion, a physician can assure thatthe filter cartridge 230 will be substantially filled with bone from thesurgical procedure so that an efficient extrusion-delivery operation canbe carried out with minimal if any bone waste. Moreover, one or morefilter tips 139 can be provided in the kit, and wherein a plurality oftips 129 are provided they may include different tips adapted to extrudedifferently-dimensioned bone masses. For example, a first filter tip 139may deliver a relatively large-diameter extruded cylinder, and a secondfilter tip 139 may be adapted to deliver a relatively small-diameterextruded cylinder. In addition or alternatively, one filter tip 139 mayinclude a relatively short delivery tube, and another may include arelatively long delivery tube (for example to deliver bone to a deepsurgical site). The suction nozzle assembly 21 may also be included insuch kits, along with any or all of the other components described inFIGS. 1-5.

[0039] While the inventions have been illustrated and described indetail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to beconsidered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it beingunderstood that only the preferred embodiments have been shown anddescribed and that all changes and modifications that come within thespirit of the invention are desired to be protected.

What is claimed is:
 1. A selective filtering system for collectingtissue, comprising: a vacuum source; a nozzle for collecting tissue, thenozzle fluidly connected to the vacuum source; a first fluid pathbetween the nozzle and the vacuum source, the first fluid path includinga filter for filtering tissue; a second fluid path between the nozzleand the vacuum source, the second fluid path bypassing the filter; and avalve for selectively directing tissue collected by the nozzle throughthe first fluid path or the second fluid path.
 2. The system of claim 1,wherein said first fluid path includes a removable cartridge containingsaid filter.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein said cartridge is adaptedto extrude tissue collected therein.
 4. The system of claim 3, whereinsaid cartridge includes a chamber for collecting said tissue, saidchamber having an opening and convertible from a first configurationhaving a relatively larger volume to a second configuration having arelatively smaller volume so as to extrude collected tissue through saidopening.
 5. A selective filtering system, comprising: a vacuum source; asuction nozzle assembly including a first suction port, a second suctionport, a suction nozzle and a valve, said suction nozzle assemblyadditionally including a selector switch for actuating said valve toselectively communicate suction between said suction nozzle and saidfirst suction port when said valve is in a first position, and toselectively communicate suction between said suction nozzle and saidsecond suction port when said valve is in a second position; a bypasstube connected between said first suction port and said vacuum source;and a filter including an entry port and an exit port, said filterconnected in parallel with said bypass tube, the entry port of saidfilter in communication with said second suction port and the exit portin communication with said vacuum source, said filter including a filtermedium for collecting tissue.
 6. The selective filtering system of claim5, wherein, said filter comprises a removable filter cartridge.
 7. Theselective filtering system of claim 6, wherein, said removable filtercartridge includes a filter cartridge housing including a back wall anda side wall, an inner chamber of a first diameter defined by the backwall and the side wall, an inner filter medium of a second diameterlocated within said inner chamber, said second diameter being smallerthan said first diameter, a plunger base slidably located inside theinner filter medium adjacent the back wall of said removable filtercartridge.
 8. The selective filtering system of claim 7, wherein saidremovable filter cartridge additionally includes an annular bore throughthe back wall, said annular bore in communication with said plungerbase, and a filter cap located at the front of said filter cartridgedistal from the back wall, wherein said filter cap is removably engagedwith the side wall of said filter cartridge housing.
 9. The selectivefiltering system of claim 8, additionally including a delivery device,said delivery device including a delivery housing including a recessadapted to receive said filter cartridge housing, said delivery deviceincluding a front opening through the front of said recess and a ram atthe rear of said recess, wherein said ram engages said plunger basethrough said annular bore to extrude bone material contained in saidfilter cartridge through said front opening.
 10. The selective filteringsystem of claim 9, wherein said delivery device additionally includes aratchet handle for reciprocating said ram through said annular bore. 11.In a bone collection system, a removable filter cartridge, comprising: afilter cartridge housing including a proximal end and a distal endseparated by a side wall, said filter cartridge housing including a backwall located at the distal end of said housing, an inner chamber of afirst diameter defined by the back wall and the side wall, said filtercartridge housing additionally including an exit port in communicationwith said inner chamber through the side wall, said filter cartridgehousing additionally including a bore through the back wall; an innerfilter medium located within said inner chamber in communication withsaid exit port, said inner filter medium comprising a mesh sized tocapture bone material while permitting fluid passage through said mesh;a plunger base having a front surface and a back surface separated by aplunger base perimeter edge, said plunger base slidably located insidethe inner chamber, the back surface of said plunger base adjacent theback wall of said removable filter cartridge and in communication withsaid bore; and a filter cap removably engaged with the proximal end ofsaid filter cartridge housing, said filter cap including an entry portin communication with the inner chamber of said filter cartridgehousing.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the bone collection systemincludes a bone delivery device, said delivery device including adelivery housing including a recess adapted to receive said filtercartridge housing, said delivery device including a front openingthrough the front of said recess and a ram at the rear of said recess,wherein said ram engages said plunger base through said bore to extrudebone material contained in said filter cartridge through said frontopening.
 13. The system of claim 11, wherein said inner filter medium isa cylindrical filter cartridge having a second diameter, said seconddiameter being smaller than said first diameter, and wherein saidplunger base includes a circular perimeter edge having a third diameter,said third diameter being smaller than said second diameter.
 14. Thesystem of claim 13, wherein said input port of said filter cartridge isin fluid communication with a suction nozzle assembly of the bonecollection system, wherein said suction nozzle assembly includes a firstsuction port, a second suction port, a suction nozzle and a valve, saidsuction nozzle assembly additionally including a selector switch foractuating said valve to selectively communicate suction between saidsuction nozzle and said first suction port when said valve is in a firstposition, and to selectively communicate suction between said suctionnozzle and said second suction port when said valve is in a secondposition, wherein said first suction port is connected to said filtercartridge and wherein said second suction port is connected to a bypasstube connected in parallel with said filter cartridge.
 15. A method forharvesting bone from a surgical location, comprising: surgicallygenerating collectable bone; providing a selective filtering systemcomprising: a suction nozzle assembly including a first suction port, asecond suction port, a suction nozzle and a valve, said suction nozzleassembly additionally including a selector switch for actuating saidvalve to selectively communicate suction between said suction nozzle andsaid first suction port when said valve is in a first position, and toselectively communicate suction between said suction nozzle and saidsecond suction port when said valve is in a second position; a suctionline including a proximal end and a distal end; a bypass tube connectedbetween said first suction port and the proximal end of said suctionline; a filter cartridge including an entry port and an exit port, saidfilter connected in parallel with said bypass tube, the entry port ofsaid filter in communication with said second suction port and the exitport in communication with the proximal end of said suction line, saidfilter including a filter medium for collecting tissue positioning saidsuction nozzle to collect said collectable bone; applying suction to thedistal end of said suction line to suction materials including saidcollectable bone; and actuating said switch to selectively directsuction to one of said bypass tube and said filter to draw the materialsthrough one of said bypass tube and said filter.
 16. The method of claim15, further comprising the step of: removing said filter while suctionis directed through said bypass tube.
 17. The method of claim 17,wherein said filter cartridge further comprises: a filter cartridgehousing including a back wall and a side wall, an inner chamber of afirst diameter defined by the back wall and the side wall, said backwall including a bore therethrough; an inner filter medium of a seconddiameter located within said inner chamber, said second diameter beingsmaller than said first diameter; a plunger base slidably located insidethe inner filter medium adjacent the back wall of said removable filtercartridge, said bore in communication with said plunger base; and afilter cap located at the front of said filter cartridge distal from theback wall, wherein said filter cap is removably engaged with thesidewall of said filter cartridge housing.
 18. The method of claim 17,further comprising the steps of: removing said filter cartridge fromsaid selective filtering system; removing said filter cap from saidfilter cartridge; placing said filter cartridge in a delivery device;and extruding bone material from said filter cartridge using saiddelivery device.
 19. The method of claim 18 wherein said bone materialis extruded back into the patient location.
 20. The method of claim 18,wherein said delivery device includes: a delivery housing including arecess adapted to receive said filter cartridge housing, a front openingthrough the front of said recess. and a ram at the rear of said recess,wherein said ram engages said plunger base through said bore to extrudebone material contained in said filter cartridge through said frontopening.
 21. The method of claim 20, wherein said delivery deviceadditionally includes a ratchet handle for reciprocating said ramthrough said bore.
 22. In a bone tissue collection system having avacuum source and a collection nozzle fluidly connected to the vacuumsource, a removable filter cartridge, comprising: a filter housingdefining a chamber for receiving collected tissue, the filter housingincluding a first port for fluid connection with the nozzle and a secondport for fluid connection with the vacuum source; a filter medium withinthe chamber adapted to capture particulate bone material and passfluids; and the filter housing including at least one movable wallmember wherein movement of the wall member reduces the volume of thechamber, whereby collected particulate bone material can be ejected fromthe filter housing.